Unfinished ramp to be ready for procession

GRAND RAPIDS -- Workers are rushing to finish work on
the Ottawa Avenue ramp from Int. 196 in time for former
President Gerald R. Ford's funeral.

"It probably won't be completely open to the
public, but we will have it open for the funeral
procession," said Dawn Garner, Michigan Department of
Transportation spokeswoman.

The Ottawa ramp has been closed as part of nearly $16
million worth of projects along Int. 196.

The work was slated to start in early April and wrap up in
November. But the project did not begin until May, and a
mid-December completion date was pushed back until
month's end because snow and cold temperatures delayed
concrete work.

In addition, MDOT will remove graffiti from overpasses and
trash from roadways stretching from Gerald R. Ford
International Airport to the Gerald R. Ford Museum.
Approximately 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, a motorcade is expected to
bring Ford's body from the airport to the museum.

MDOT crews also will be making sure road signs are in good
order for the funeral.

"We will do our part to make sure that Grand Rapids is
presented in the best possible light," Garner said.